by Michelle K. Massie
Monster Contributing Writer

Today's competitive job market presents a challenge for anyone seeking to move up. But a criminal record can make finding even entry-level positions nearly impossible.

Just ask Carlton Williams. Now 30, Williams spent nearly a decade behind bars on a drug conviction. For the past nine months following parole, he has worked as a grinder in a steel mill.

"It's definitely hard," Williams says. "I've been turned down for jobs I knew I was qualified for, but they overlook me for the person who doesn't have a record. Somebody helped me get the job I have now. But the person who got me hired had to go through a lot of doubt and questions about me…. It's that record that keeps people looking past you."

Rising Inmate Populations Mean More Ex-Offenders Seeking Jobs

Skyrocketing inmate populations mean millions of inmates released from jail or prison over the past five years are facing this scenario. Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) data show that in 2004, more than 7 million adults were under some form of correctional supervision, including prison or jail, parole and probation. Approximately 2.1 million were incarcerated, leaving 5 million in society—and looking for work.

Ex-offender population demographics are also a factor. In 2004, there were 3,218 African American male prison inmates per 100,000 African American males in the United States, compared to 1,220 Hispanic male inmates per 100,000 Hispanic males and 463 white male inmates per 100,000 white males, according to BJS data. In other words, African American males are incarcerated at a rate nearly seven times that of white males.

Job Search Hurdles

Some experts find ways to accentuate the positive for ex-offender job seekers.

"I think ex-offenders make some of the best employees, because [parolees] have sanctions, and if they violate those rules, it could mean trouble," says Carena M. Pope, director of Career & Workforce Development Center—East in Pittsburgh. "It's like having a monitor over the employee to ensure they go to work each day."

But Pope, whose organization has a program specifically for former inmates, admits that while ex-offenders make excellent workers, they face many obstacles when trying to reenter the workforce besides criminal records, such as:

• Lack of education, including high school diplomas or GEDs
• Lack of work experience
• Poor computer and interpersonal skills
• Low self-esteem
• Drug and alcohol problems
• No driver's license or access to transportation.

"It's important to help them reduce the barriers first by looking at what issues they have," Pope says. "We look at the entire picture before we place a person in a job."

Job Search Tips for Ex-Offenders

Pope offers this advice to ex-offenders searching for employment:

• Be honest about your situation on your application and in your interview.
• Give good references and verify them.
• Don't say you worked somewhere you didn't. Your resume and work history will be heavily scrutinized.
• Be honest with yourself, and evaluate your skills objectively.
• Consider additional education and training.
• Don't be afraid to ask for a chance.
• Be aware that in some cases, a particular job may be off-limits. For example, if you were convicted of stealing money, you may not be eligible to work for a bank.
• Brush up on interview techniques, resume preparation and writing effective cover and thank-you letters.
• Learn how to network for referrals, information and advice.
• Register with temporary employment agencies.
• Seek out an organization that offers job placement programs for ex-offenders.
• During your interview, wear proper clothing, don't be nervous, offer a firm handshake, and maintain eye contact.
• Adopt a positive attitude.

"To be honest, there are people who do not want to hire ex-offenders," Pope says. "You will run into roadblocks. That can't discourage job seekers. You just have to keep trying. Employers need to know that employment cuts down the rate of recidivism."

Williams's advice to those in a similar situation? "Take all the help you can get, take it one day at a time, and don't give up. Because you don't want to end up back in a bad situation."

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